Di Canio 'can't wait' for new season

Di Canio only arrived at the Stadium of Light towards the end of March when he replaced Martin O'Neill. During his eight games in charge the Italian secured the Black Cats' Premier League status with a game to spare.

Ahead of a summer in which he proposes to overhaul the Sunderland squad Di Canio is looking forward to putting his stamp on the side.

"I was happy before, but you can imagine how happy I'll be if we can get the right players," he said.

"I can't wait, because as a manager, if you have the chance to build a team and choose the right individuals, that makes you excited.

"I'm already starting to think how to link things in situations and bring out the potential of players so they can express their football better."

Despite the season having only recently finished, Di Canio has already made changes at the club allowing defenders Titus Bramble and Matt Kilgallon to leave at the end of their contracts. Phil Bardsley is also likely to move on after being left out of the squad for the final day of the season.

The former Swindon manager is expected to make more changes and has spoken of a desire to put discipline at the core of his new-look side.

"It's a good job and one I love," he said. "Obviously discipline is a big part of it and it's something important that I want to see from the team. But I want to see quality next year, with the team playing good football. You will see a different team for sure. You will see a clear identity in the future."